PL chief criticizes Flávio Bolsonaro's coup-tinged letter after US trip

Valdemar Costa Neto, president of Brazil's Liberal Party (PL), criticized Senator Flávio Bolsonaro for publishing a letter with coup-like content after defying a Supreme Court order and traveling to the United States. The letter, posted Wednesday on Flávio's social media, was edited after initial backlash, replacing "true president of Brazil" with "leader of Brazil," but retained claims that the election was stolen without evidence. These statements contradict the PL's official recognition of Lula's victory, confirmed by the Superior Electoral Court, and drew condemnation from right-wing leaders and parties including União Brasil, PSD, PSDB, and MDB. Costa Neto made the remarks before visiting former President Jair Bolsonaro, under house arrest after being convicted by the Supreme Court for plotting a coup. He fears PL weakening amid internal disputes over Michelle Bolsonaro's potential rise as bolsonarismo leader.